Schafberg

The Schafberg is a mountain summit near St. Gilgen in Salzburg, rising to 1,783 meters and offering sweeping views of Wolfgangsee Lake and the surrounding Alpine foothills. The peak sits within a landscape of forested slopes and meadows that descend toward the lake below.

The cogwheel railway opened in 1893, establishing regular passenger service from the lake to the summit. This development transformed the mountain from a remote destination into an accessible stop for travelers exploring the region.

The summit is named after local shepherds who once grazed their flocks here, and the mountain has long served as a destination for those seeking mountain views. Today visitors come to experience the landscape that shaped the region's character.

The cogwheel train operates from April through October, making the journey accessible for most visitors without strenuous effort. Those preferring to hike will find walking trails of varying difficulty starting from points around the lake below.

The railway holds the distinction of being Austria's steepest cogwheel line and still operates original steam locomotives from the 1800s. The sound and feel of these historic engines working their way up the mountain creates an experience that few visitors expect.

Location: St. Gilgen

Elevation above the sea: 1,782 m

GPS coordinates: 47.77658,13.43349

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:02